The message does not name the mother but confirms that the child will remain in Cristiano Ronaldo's care.

Whether the content of the statement is genuine or the work of a hacker, it said: "It is with great joy and emotion that I inform I have recently become father to a baby boy.”

“As agreed with the baby’s mother, who prefers to have her identity kept confidential, my son will be under my exclusive guardianship. I request everyone to fully respect my right to privacy (and that of the child) at least on issues as personal as these are."

The statement concluded with the 25-year-old saying that no further information would be given.